Forgotten F1 flop offered shock Ferrari return amid Charles Leclerc doubt for Spanish Grand Prix

Ferrari have reportedly placed a driver on standby for the Spanish Grand Prix in case Charles Leclerc doesn't recover in time.

Leclerc recorded a DNF at Ferrari's home race when he crashed at Parabolica on the second lap of the Grand Prix. The 28-year-old was fighting to stay ahead of Oscar Piastri after losing to Max Verstappen, spinning off the track and through the gravel at high speed before slamming into the tyre barrier in a 60G impact.

Although he climbed from his car unaided and escaped without any serious injuries after attending the track's medical centre, Leclerc confirmed he will need to have "additional checks" before he is clear to race in Madrid this weekend.

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Antonio Giovinazzi on Ferrari standby for Spanish Grand Prix

A disappointing end to the race at Monza for Leclerc was compounded when Kimi Antonelli recorded yet another incredible victory to extend his lead at the top of the Drivers' Championship to 66 points ahead of teammate George Russell.

Antonelli is the red-hot favourite to win the title after his comeback victory for Mercedes, whereas Leclerc is in fifth place and may not get a chance to improve on that position this weekend if he isn't deemed fit.

That is why Ferrari have a back-up plan in case he isn't available, with Antonio Giovinazzi being placed on standby, according to RMC Motori.

Giovinazzi currently competes in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) for Ferrari, a competition that tests the mechanical reliability and stamina of drivers.

The Italian helped them win the WEC in 2025, and they're currently third in the standings this year behind BMW and Toyota.

The 32-year-old serves as a backup driver for the Ferrari F1 team, too, after previously competing in the sport for Sauber and Alfa Romeo between 2017 and 2021.

His last appearance came at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021 for Alfa Romeo, where he recorded just three points across a gruelling campaign.

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What Antonio Giovinazzi previously said about F1 return

Giovinazzi potentially coming in as Leclerc's substitute will be music to his ears, as he's waited for this opportunity since his last race five years ago.

When asked about his future in the sport in 2022, he confirmed that he wanted to "be here next year".

"I don’t know. It’s not a question you will ask me," he said.

“I want to be here next year, for sure. It’s not a secret. But it’s not in my hands.

“So let’s see what we can do. For now, I focus on doing a great job in these two sessions. One is over. Then we have another one.”

Four years after making his comments, he may now get that chance to impress for Ferrari as Leclerc's temporary replacement after previously claiming zero victories from 62 Grands Prix.

In fact, the highest finish he recorded was a fifth place at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix.